Why Serviced Apartments Are More Popular Than Ever
For many expatriates, business travellers, digital nomads, project-based employees, and newly relocated families, serviced apartments have become one of the most practical accommodation options in Jakarta.
Unlike most private apartment and house leases in Indonesia, which typically require one or two years’ rent paid in advance, serviced apartments often offer flexible daily, weekly, and monthly rental arrangements. This flexibility makes them particularly attractive for:
- Newly arrived expatriates who have not yet chosen a permanent home
- Families waiting for school placements or housing decisions
- Employees on short-term assignments
- Executives relocating to Indonesia while their work permits and documentation are finalized
- Families waiting for household goods shipments to arrive
- Frequent business travellers who need more space than a hotel room
Serviced apartments combine the convenience of a hotel with the comfort of a home, offering fully furnished accommodation, housekeeping services, security, fitness facilities, and often swimming pools, restaurants, and business services. Many residents find that the additional space, kitchen facilities, and home-like atmosphere make serviced apartments a far more comfortable option than a traditional hotel for stays longer than a few weeks.
Settling Into Life in Jakarta
After arriving in Jakarta, you and your family will spend considerable time and energy establishing your new life. Typical priorities include:
- Settling into a new job
- Finding suitable long-term housing
- Enrolling children in school
- Purchasing or leasing a vehicle
- Learning your way around the city
- Hiring household staff
- Establishing a social network
- Becoming familiar with local services and amenities
Because of these demands, many companies provide temporary accommodation during the first few weeks or months of an assignment.
Your company may advise or require you to stay in a hotel or serviced apartment until suitable long-term housing has been secured. If possible, request accommodation near the area where you are most likely to live. This allows you to become familiar with the neighbourhood, nearby schools, shopping facilities, restaurants, and transportation options before committing to a long-term lease.
Historically, Hotel Kristal in South Jakarta has been a popular choice for families relocating to Jakarta due to its proximity to international schools and residential areas in Cilandak, Pondok Indah, and Cipete. Many families have used it as a convenient base while searching for permanent housing.
Benefits of Serviced Apartments
Many serviced apartments in Jakarta offer:
- Fully furnished accommodation
- Kitchenettes or full kitchens
- High-speed internet access
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry facilities
- Swimming pools
- Fitness centres
- Children’s play areas
- Restaurants and cafes
- 24-hour security
- Concierge services
- Business facilities and meeting rooms
The ability to prepare your own meals can be especially valuable for families with children or anyone who quickly tires of restaurant dining.
Many serviced apartments are designed specifically for extended stays and offer larger living areas than standard hotel rooms, making them ideal for families.
For executives who travel frequently, serviced apartments provide additional peace of mind through professional management, secure access, and maintenance support.
Popular Serviced Apartment Locations
Serviced apartments can be found throughout Jakarta’s major business and residential districts, including:
South Jakarta
- Pondok Indah
- Cilandak
- TB Simatupang
- Cipete
- Kemang
Central Jakarta
- Menteng
- Sudirman
- Thamrin
Business Districts
- Kuningan
- Mega Kuningan
- Rasuna Said
- SCBD
Several internationally recognized serviced apartment operators continue to maintain properties in Jakarta, including brands such as Ascott, Somerset, Citadines, Oakwood, and Fraser Hospitality. These operators provide options ranging from studio units for single executives to three-bedroom apartments suitable for families. (ASR – Ascott Star Rewards)
Waiting for Permanent Housing
Many expatriates remain in temporary accommodation while their permanent housing arrangements are finalized.
In Indonesia, lease negotiations often involve:
- Property inspections
- Negotiation of repairs and improvements
- Corporate approvals
- Budget approvals
- Lease documentation
- Payment processing
It is not unusual for this process to take several weeks.
Many companies prefer that all repairs, cleaning, maintenance, and agreed improvements be completed before an employee moves into a permanent residence. As a result, temporary accommodation is often required for three to six weeks or longer.
Waiting for Household Goods
Some expatriates choose to remain in temporary housing until their household goods arrive.
Although customs and immigration procedures have become more streamlined over the years, international shipments can still take time to clear and be delivered. Moving into a permanent residence before essential household items arrive can sometimes create unnecessary inconvenience.
For this reason, many families choose to remain in serviced accommodation until both their home and their shipment are ready.
Getting Connected Quickly
When selecting temporary accommodation, confirm that the property offers:
- Reliable broadband internet
- Good mobile phone coverage
- Adequate workspace if you will be working remotely
- Family-friendly facilities if travelling with children
Reliable internet access is now considered essential for both business and personal communication.
Building Your New Social Network
One of the often-overlooked benefits of temporary accommodation is the opportunity to meet other newcomers.
Many expatriates living in serviced apartments are going through the same adjustment process. Conversations around the pool, fitness centre, children’s play area, or community events often lead to valuable friendships and practical advice.
During your first weeks in Jakarta, consider:
- Joining expatriate organizations
- Taking Bahasa Indonesia classes
- Attending community events
- Participating in sports and hobby groups
- Exploring your local neighbourhood
The sooner you begin building a network, the faster Jakarta starts to feel like home.
A Long-Term Housing Solution
While many people initially view serviced apartments as temporary accommodation, some ultimately decide to stay long-term.
For singles, couples, frequent business travellers, retirees, and smaller families, the convenience can outweigh the benefits of maintaining a larger home. Housekeeping services, security, maintenance support, and flexible living arrangements make serviced apartments an increasingly popular long-term housing choice in Jakarta.
For many expatriates today, serviced apartments are no longer simply a temporary stop between arrival and permanent housing—they have become a preferred lifestyle option.
For more information on housing options in Jakarta, see our Housing section.
For housing agents and relocation assistance, see our Shops and Services listings.
